Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Water Smartweed (Polygonum punctatum) is a common native perennial herb that grows in northern, southern and central California. It is moderately fast growing and short-lived. It grows in an upright form to a height of 3.2 feet, with active growth during the summer. Flowers are white and striking, and bloom in the summer. Leaves are medium green and deciduous. It tends to grow in shallow water and shores, at elevations from 0-4900 feet.

Plant type

Perennial herb

Size

6 - 40 in Tall

Dormancy

Winter Deciduous

Calscape icon
Color

White

Special uses

Water features or wet habitats

Sun

Full Sun

Propagation

For propagating by seed: 1 mo. stratification (Crocker and Barton 1957).

Site type

Shallow water, shores

Plant communities

Wetland-Riparian

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

1 confirmed and 29 likely

Confirmed Likely

Purplish Copper

Lycaena helloides

Garden Webworm Moth

Achyra rantalis

Civil Rustic

Caradrina montana

Guenée's Carpet Moth

Ceratodalia gueneata